Somerville High School
Agreement for the Blinn College District Dual Credit Program
This Agreement for the Blinn College District Dual Credit Program ("Agreement") is made by and between Blinn College District, a public community college established under Chapter 130 of the Texas Education Code and a political subdivision of the State of Texas ("College"), and Somerville High School, a Texas Public independent school district and political subdivision of the State of Texas ("District") with an effective date of June 1, 2024 ("Effective Date"). Individually, the College and the District are referred to as “Party” and collectively as “Parties.”
Recitals
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WHEREAS, Texas Education Code (TEC) §§ 28.009, 29.182, 29.184, and 130.008; and 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 4, Subchapter D and Chapter 9, Subchapter H authorize an institution of higher education to contract with a public school district for the provision of instruction resulting in dual credit received by a student for such course;
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WHEREAS, the College and the District desire to establish a dual credit program ("Dual Credit Program") to be operated as part of the District’s Somerville High School.
NOW THEREFORE, for the mutual promises and covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the Parties agree as follows:
Section 1. General Criteria
A. Blinn College District (College)
- The College will designate a leadership team for management and supervision of the Dual Credit Program.
- The College service area includes the following thirteen counties: Austin, Brazos, Burleson, Fayette, Grimes, Lee, Madison, Waller, and Washington Counties and parts of Milam, Montgomery, Robertson, and Walker Counties.
- The College will ensure that dual credit courses follow the same quality, sequencing, content, and rigor as those taught to the institution’s other students (per SACSCOC standard).
- In accordance with Applicable Law, the College will offer dual credit courses listed in the most current Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s (THECB) Lower Division Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM) and Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM). Courses per semester shall be determined by the College and agreed upon by the District/School. Courses provided under this Agreement shall be consistent with the educational purpose, mission, and goals of the College and under its direct control. Developmental courses and certain kinesiology courses are excluded.
- Dual credit courses may be offered at agreed-upon times and locations, utilizing technology as appropriate.
- The District ensures dual credit courses meet Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) requirements. A course equivalency crosswalk will equate high school and college courses and credits. Endorsements and dual credit course alignment with postsecondary pathways and credentials is required by SB 1276 (2019). Further guidance available on the College website under Degree Programs and in Appendix F.
- All College prerequisites and course sequencing must be met.
- Academic performance is determined by College Board Policy EGA(LOCAL) (see Appendix A).
- The College reserves the right to set a minimum enrollment for each course and may cancel a course if not met.
- The College encourages in-school time with a high school proctor for students taking online classes.
B. The School
- The School will provide a learning atmosphere and classroom facilities comparable to the College campus, regardless of instructional modality.
- The School will provide instructional technology and auxiliary equipment for classroom instruction.
- The School will provide facilities, personnel, and necessary equipment for online/internet and IVC classes (see Appendix B for video class regulations).
- Professional-level personnel will advise and verify student eligibility in accordance with Applicable Law.
- Trained personnel will assist with College registration functions.
- The School/District will initiate course accommodation processes for students with disabilities, providing required documentation. The student must provide IEPs to the College Office of Disability Services (ODS). Accommodations are not provided until verified by ODS.
- If grading scales differ, the District/School will provide students with a document comparing both grading scales (see Appendix A).
- District/School is responsible for communicating that a grade of D may not translate to high school credit per 19 TAC §74.26(c). College personnel will not communicate with parents (see Appendix A).
- Dual credit students are not subject to TEC §51.907 six-state-drop rules; Q drops are recorded as W.
C. Applicable Law
- The Dual Credit Program will operate in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations including, but not limited to, Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504, ADA, FERPA, the Texas constitution, Student Attendance Accounting Handbook, Financial Accountability System Resource Guide, THECB and TEA guidelines, and SACSCOC accreditation requirements.
- The Parties agree to:
- Certify that their sites are ADA compliant;
- Comply with FERPA and all federal, state, and local laws applicable to this MOU;
- Maintain anti-discrimination policies.
Blinn College District Notice of Nondiscrimination
Blinn College District does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program, activity, admission, or employment, as required by Title IX. Inquiries may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator, or the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education.
- Title IX Coordinator:
- Dr. Adrienne McCain
902 College Avenue
Brenham, Texas 77833
Administration Building Room 219
adrienne.mccain@blinn.edu
979-830-4216
The full nondiscrimination policy and reporting information is at www.blinn.edu/title-ix/index.html.
The College prohibits discrimination, including harassment, against any employee on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. More information can be found in Board Policy DIAB.
Blinn College District Statement on Parenting Services
Students requiring special arrangements due to pregnancy or parenting status should contact the Parenting Services Office. Instructors may not provide accommodations without verification from this office.
Section 2. Dual Credit Admission – Student’s Required Actions
- Students must obtain written or electronic permission from the high school principal or designee (see Appendix C, Dual Credit Approval Form).
- Students must earn a B or better average in all high school work attempted, or a C for WECM trades courses. Exceptions require a written letter from the principal.
- Complete a College Application for admission through ApplyTexas.
- Meet TSI criteria and bacterial meningitis vaccination requirements in accordance with current College/THECB guidance. See Blinn dual-credit eligibility and immunization details.
Students enrolled in private, non-accredited, or homeschooled programs must meet all the same requirements.
Section 3. Classes and Schedules
- The College coordinates course schedules with the School before each semester. The School submits anticipated student numbers by May 1 and the proposed course schedule by July 20 for the coming year.
- All dual credit students follow the College academic calendar. Classes may not be cancelled except as necessary, and lost instructional time may be made up as determined by the College.
- Student course loads are set by Applicable Law and confirmed by dual credit administrators.
- Academic dual credit classes must be composed solely of dual credit students, or dual credit and AP students. Technical classes may be mixed as described.
- For face-to-face classes at high school campuses, a minimum class size and reasonable commute requirements apply. Transportation is not provided by the College.
- Students may not take the same course online if a face-to-face option exists, except in extenuating circumstances.
Section 4. Faculty
- Dual credit instructors must meet College credentialing standards and hiring processes, regardless of employer. Orientation is required.
- School personnel teaching Dual Enrollment count these as regular assignments and must follow all pertinent policies.
- Faculty compensation is detailed in Section 6.
- The College’s academic leadership oversees and evaluates dual credit instruction, but employment status and policy compliance remain with each respective institution.
Section 5. Facilities
- Dual credit courses must be offered in facilities meeting SACSCOC standards, whether at College or School sites. Facilities are assessed and reviewed by College staff.
- College and District representatives at each site assess facilities and select instructional modalities.
Section 6. Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program
Texas has established the FAST program to provide funding for dual credit coursework to educationally disadvantaged students (those eligible for free/reduced lunch within the current or four preceding years). Eligible students incur no tuition, fees, or costs for books, supplies, or other course materials for qualifying courses.
Dual credit courses eligible for FAST funding include those required for an associate degree, industry-recognized credential, foreign language, core curriculum, or field of study requirements.
- The District/School must verify and identify eligible FAST students each semester. Verification is due by August 5th.
- Non-FAST students pay tuition for dual credit courses ($56.87 per scheduled credit hour or the State-approved rate).
- The District/School is responsible for remaining costs for eligible FAST students.
Section 7. Tuition
Tuition for dual credit courses is according to the following options:
- Option 1: If an instructor employed by the College or District provides dual credit instruction, a non-FAST student pays the State-approved rate.
- Option 2: If a District-employed, College-approved instructor is used and the College does not compensate the instructor, the student pays $20/credit hour. The District receives $500 reimbursement per approved course section (minimum 8 students).
- Option 3: For technical (WECM) dual credit courses taught by a District instructor uncompensated by the College, all tuition is waived (no cost to student).
Tuition and fees are subject to change as established by the College’s Board or the State.
Section 8. College Faculty Compensation
Full-time College faculty are compensated per their contract.
College adjuncts are paid at the current per-course rate.
Section 9. Syllabus, Curriculum, Supplies, and Textbooks
- Dual credit curriculum, grading, and rigor match those at the College as required by THECB and SACSCOC.
- A College Common Syllabus is required and posted for each dual credit course.
- Textbooks are identical or equivalent to campus courses. The District/School and College will review use of open educational resources per HB 3650 (2019).
- FAST-eligible students receive all materials at no cost, covered by the District. Non-FAST students are responsible for their own textbooks/resources.
Section 10. Library and Learning Resources
Dual credit students and instructors may use School and College library resources, including online access, with the same privileges as other College students and faculty.
Section 11. Academic Advising and Student Support Services
A. Advising
- The College provides advising and counseling for dual credit students, in compliance with TX SB 1277 (2021). See Appendix G for advising strategies and terminology.
- The District/School collaborates in advising as required by TX SB 25 (2019) and TX SB 1324 (2019).
- The dual credit advising contact is Shannon Williford, Director, Dual Credit Programs, 979-209-8218, shannon.williford@blinn.edu.
B. Support Services
Dual credit students have access to College computer labs, writing centers, and learning centers.
Section 12. Student Code of Conduct
- Students must comply with all College policies, including the Student Code of Conduct as detailed in the College Catalog.
- Students are subject to College academic regulations, including academic integrity.
- Students removed for incivility must arrange a conference with the instructor before returning. See Board Policy FLB for incivility protocol.
Section 13. Funding and Payment
- Tuition/fee payments are due at registration. Students must pay or arrange a payment plan. Non-payment may result in course drops.
- Dual credit students are not eligible for federal financial aid (Title IV).
- State funding for dual credit is available based on current TEA and THECB rules. The College may only claim funding for certain approved courses.
- Students repeating a class more than twice incur the standard tuition plus a $50 per-semester-hour fee (exceptions for FAST and technical courses).
- The College does not provide transportation for dual credit students.
Section 14. Records and Reporting
- The College provides class rosters and grades to the School each semester.
- Each Party is responsible for FERPA compliance, record retention, and sharing educational records as necessary to operate the Dual Credit Program and comply with the FAST program.
- Dual credit courses must be transcripted for both high school and college credit immediately upon completion.
Section 15. Conflict Resolution
Conflicts should be resolved at the lowest level, with escalation to designated administrators if necessary. Communication and documentation are key. Each Party will designate an administrative liaison.
Section 16. Term and Termination
- The Agreement takes effect on the Effective Date and expires after the second summer semester of 2027. It may be renewed by mutual written consent of both Parties’ boards.
- Either Party may terminate with or without cause by written notice at least sixty (60) days prior to the end of the current semester. Ongoing student participation continues for the current term.
Section 17. General Contract Terms
- A. Entire Agreement
- This Agreement (including Appendices) is the sole agreement on its subject. It supersedes all prior negotiations or agreements.
- B. Amendments
- Modifications must be in writing and signed by both Parties.
- C. Governing Law; Venue
- The Agreement is governed by Texas law and Washington County is the venue for any action.
- D. Notice
- Notices must be in writing. For the College: Blinn College District, 902 College Avenue, Brenham, TX 77833, Contact: Shannon Williford.
For the School District: Name, Address, City, State, Zip, Contact. - E. Relationship of the Parties
- The Parties are independent contractors. No partnership or joint venture is created.
- F. No Waiver
- No failure or delay in exercising rights constitutes a waiver.
- G. Assignment
- No assignment without prior written consent.
- H. Captions
- Section headers are for convenience only.
- I. Severability
- If any provision is held invalid, the remainder of the Agreement remains valid.
- J. No Third-Party Rights
- This Agreement creates rights only for the Parties.
Section 18. List of Appendices
The following appendices are part of this Agreement:
- Appendix A: Board Policy EGA(LOCAL) and Current College Procedures for Grading and Credit
- Appendix B: Dual Credit Approval Form
- Appendix C: Notice of Reimbursement of Services
- Appendix D: Dual Credit Course Crosswalk
- Appendix E: Advising Terminology
- Appendix F: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
Appendix A: Regarding Grading System
College Grading System
| Grade | Description / Points per Semester Hour |
|---|---|
| A (90-100) | Excellent / 4 |
| B (80-89) | Good / 3 |
| C (70-79) | Average / 2 |
| D (60-69) | Poor / 1 |
| F (Below 60) | Failure / 0 |
| I | Incomplete / 0 |
| Q | Dropped / 0 |
| W | Dropped Due to Good Cause / 0 |
| CR | Credit / 0 |
| P | Pass / 0 |
| NP | Not Passing / 0 |
| FS | Academic Fresh Start / 0 |
Grade Change: Contact the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs within the next long semester.
Academic Good Standing: 2.0 GPA required. Scholastic probation and suspension policies apply.
Full details on GPA, probation, and appeal are in the College Catalog.
Appendix B: Dual Credit Approval Form
Appendix D: Dual Credit Course Crosswalk
| Course Number | Blinn College Course Title | High School TEKS Course | College Credit | Endorsement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECON 2301 | Principles of Macro Economics | Economics | 3 | All Areas |
| SPCH 1311 | Introduction to Speech Communication | Public Speaking | 3 | All Areas |
| ENGL 1301 | Composition I | English III or English IV | 3 | All Areas |
| MATH 1314 | College Algebra | Determined by HS | 3 | All Areas |
| BIOL 1406 | Biology for Science Majors I (lecture + lab) | Biology | 4 | All Areas |
*High school course alignment is determined and approved by the High School. Each school district determines which courses will be offered as dual credit.
Appendix E: Advising Terminology
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- College-level coursework designed by the College Board for potential college credit with a qualifying exam score.
- Advising
- Individualized guidance to help students succeed in future education and career goals.
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- Earn college credit by exam.
- Degree Plan
- Defined sequence of requirements to complete an undergraduate award.
- Dual Credit
- High school students take college courses for both high school and college credit.
- FERPA
- Federal law protecting privacy of student records.
- WECM/ACGM
- Approved course lists from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for workforce and academic courses, respectively.
Appendix F: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
- Goal 1: ISDs and IHEs will inform all students and parents of the benefits and costs of dual credit.
- Collaboration, outreach sessions, and counselor workshops documented and posted.
- Goal 2: Dual credit programs will help high school students accelerate through and transition to postsecondary education.
- Enrollment, persistence, and completion rates analyzed.
- Goal 3: All dual credit students will receive academic and college readiness advising.
- Bridge support to college completion and access to academic resources provided.
- Goal 4: The quality and rigor of dual credit courses ensures student success in future courses.
- Institutional research and adherence to THECB/SACSCOC regulations ensure consistency and quality.
Executed by the parties as of the dates indicated:
Blinn College District:
Mary Hensley, Ed.D., Chancellor
Date: 8/1/2024
School District:
Superintendent
Date: 8/1/2024